COLTS NECK – The township received a $2 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help pay for cleanup costs that resulted from Super Storm Sandy.

The decision will provide $2,042,540 in federal funding to Colts Neck for costs incurred by the loading, hauling, grinding and disposal of the huge amounts of debris from Super Storm Sandy.

Wind damage from the October storm leveled trees across the township, paralyzing the community and causing widespread problems, including blocking of roadways and damage to transportation arteries, infrastructure, electric service, homes and businesses.

“Colts Neck, like other Jersey towns, was heavily impacted by Super Storm Sandy,” said Congressman Chris Smith, R-4th, who visited Colts Neck in the aftermath of Sandy. “This federal assistance will help pay for the immense cost of cleanup to the township. Work on this scale is beyond any town’s normal abilities without various outside contractors and federal financial assistance.”

During a June meeting in his Washington D.C. office, Smith appealed to FEMA Ad­min­istrator Craig Fugate to ap­prove a 90 percent federal share for FEMA funding for New Jersey towns to pay for cleanup costs instead of the initially planned 75 percent. Fugate approved the 90 percent ratio several weeks later.

“We welcome the news,” Mayor Michael Fitzgerald said.

The work in Colts Neck cost $2,269,489. The federal aid was increased by $340,000 under the higher cost ratio.

Colts Neck used township employees and six contractors to handle the massive debris left behind by the super storm.